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7 Best Dandruff, Dry Hair and Scalp Shampoos on Amazon
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Struggling with flakes, dryness, or irritation on your scalp?
You’re not alone.
In fact, dandruff affects nearly half of the global post-pubertal population, regardless of gender or ethnicity, making it one of the most widespread scalp conditions, according to the Cavinkare research Centre as published in the National Library of Medicine.
Combined with the challenges of dry hair and a dry scalp, these issues can leave you feeling uncomfortable and less confident in your appearance.
These conditions often arise from a combination of factors, including environmental stress, over-washing, and even the products you use.
Addressing them is usually as easy as choosing the right shampoo for your condition.
While you can get shampoos for each of these conditions readily at any grocery store or drug store, Amazon offers a variety of options that can be directly shipped to your home.
Let’s explore how you can tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, what you can do about it and find the best shampoos for controlling them.
Understanding Dandruff, Dry Hair and Scalp
Experiencing flakes, dryness, or irritation on your scalp can be both uncomfortable and concerning.
To effectively address these issues, it's essential to understand the distinctions between dandruff, dry scalp, and dry hair.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by the shedding of white or yellowish flakes.
It's often associated with seborrheic dermatitis and is linked to an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia, which thrives in oily environments.
This overgrowth leads to increased skin cell turnover, resulting in visible flakes and itching.
Dry Scalp
A dry scalp occurs when the skin lacks sufficient moisture, leading to irritation and flaking.
Unlike dandruff, the flakes from a dry scalp are typically smaller and less oily.
Common causes include cold weather, excessive washing, and the use of harsh hair care products.
Dry Hair
Dry hair lacks adequate moisture and oil, making it appear dull, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Factors contributing to dry hair include environmental exposure, heat styling, chemical treatments, and inadequate scalp oil production.
Key Differences
- Flake Appearance: Dandruff flakes are larger and may appear oily, while dry scalp flakes are smaller and dry.
- Scalp Condition: Dandruff is often associated with an oily scalp, whereas a dry scalp feels tight and lacks oil.
- Associated Symptoms: Dandruff may be accompanied by redness and scalp irritation, while a dry scalp primarily causes itchiness.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the appropriate shampoo and treatment regimen to restore your scalp and hair health effectively.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Shampoos
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Selecting the right shampoo is essential for effectively addressing dandruff, dry hair, and a dry scalp.
Understanding the active ingredients can guide you toward products that target your specific concerns.
Here are some key components to consider:
1. Zinc Pyrithione
Zinc pyrithione is renowned for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it effective against dandruff caused by Malassezia yeast. It helps reduce scalp flaking and irritation.
2. Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is a potent antifungal agent that combats dandruff by inhibiting fungal growth on the scalp. It's particularly effective in treating severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
3. Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide reduces scalp fungus and helps alleviate flaking and itching associated with dandruff. It also slows down the turnover of scalp cells, addressing the root cause of dandruff.
4. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells and preventing the buildup that leads to dandruff. It also aids in reducing scalp psoriasis symptoms.
5. Coal Tar
Coal tar slows the production of skin cells on the scalp, helping to control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It's effective in reducing flakiness and itchiness.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can help reduce dandruff symptoms by addressing the underlying microbial causes.
7. Moisturizing Agents
Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils (e.g., argan oil, coconut oil) provide essential hydration to dry hair and scalp, restoring moisture balance and improving hair texture.
When choosing a shampoo, consider your specific scalp and hair needs.
For dandruff, look for products containing antifungal agents like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.
If dryness is your primary concern, opt for shampoos rich in moisturizing ingredients.
Always follow the product instructions and consult with a dermatologist if you have persistent scalp issues.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Shampoos
Choosing the right shampoo is essential for effectively managing dandruff, dry hair, and a dry scalp.
To make an informed decision, consider the following key factors:
1. Identify Your Scalp and Hair Type
Understanding your specific scalp and hair characteristics is crucial:
- Oily Scalp: Opt for shampoos with clarifying properties to remove excess oil and prevent buildup.
- Dry Scalp: Choose moisturizing shampoos enriched with hydrating ingredients to alleviate dryness and flaking.
- Combination Scalp: Look for balanced formulas that cleanse without over-drying.
2. Active Ingredients
Select shampoos containing ingredients tailored to your condition:
- For Dandruff: Ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide have antifungal properties effective against dandruff.
- For Dry Hair and Scalp: Moisturizing agents such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils (e.g., argan oil, coconut oil) help restore hydration.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Steer clear of shampoos with sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, as they can strip natural oils and exacerbate dryness or irritation.
The good news is many hair care products are now free from parabens, phthalates and non-preservative chemicals.
4. pH Balance
A shampoo with a pH level close to that of the scalp (around 5.5) helps maintain the natural barrier, promoting overall scalp health.
You can get good quality pH testing strips here.
In order to properly test the pH level of your shampoo, you will need to make a solution of shampoo and distilled water.
It should be a thin enough concentration to be absorbed by the strip.
Make sure your water is distilled though.
Otherwise, you’ll be testing the pH of the water instead of the shampoo.
5. User Reviews and Ratings
Consider feedback from individuals with similar hair and scalp concerns to gauge a product's real-world performance.
6. Brand Reputation
Established brands with a history of quality and transparency are more likely to provide effective and safe products.
By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can select a shampoo that effectively addresses your specific needs, leading to healthier hair and a more comfortable scalp.
7. Trial and Error
One of the most reliable methods for obtaining the right shampoo for you is the trial and error method.
I got lucky in that my dry scalp was solved by the least expensive dandruff shampoo available which happens to be Head & Shoulders.
It’s not an expensive endeavor if your problem is solved by this shampoo too.
But not everyone will get this lucky the first time.
You may have to try several different shampoos before you find the one that works well for you.
Luckily, I’ve rounded up the most highly rated dandruff and dry scalp shampoos available on Amazon so you have a list to start from.
Refillable Shampoo and Shower Product Bottles
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By transferring your shampoo into a refillable bottle, you can maintain a cohesive and elegant bathroom appearance while enjoying the specific hair care products you need.
7 Best Dandruff, Dry Scalp and Dry Hair Shampoos on Amazon
Let’s take a look at the seven best shampoos for these conditions.
Some of them have more than one formulation that may suit your hair and scalp better than others, so I’ve included the different formulations in the list.
1A. Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care
With almost 20,000 ratings and an overall 4.8 star rating, my top pick for dandruff and dry scalp is the Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care.
I personally use the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean shampoo and it does a really nice job.
It has the same active ingredient and same percentage of it as this Dry Scalp Care.
From the ingredients list, it looks like the only differences between the two shampoos is that the dry scalp care shampoo has some almond oil added to help with excessively dry scalp as well as some added preservatives (likely to maintain the almond oil over time).
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | Pyrithione Zinc 1% |
Best for | Dry scalp and dandruff control |
Frequency of use | At least twice per week or every time you shampoo |
Other beneficial ingredients | Sweet almond oil (prunus amygdalus dulcus |
Scent profile | Almond oil, tea tree oil, lemon oil, peppermint extract |
If you’ve never ventured into dandruff or dry scalp shampoo yet, I recommend starting with this one because it’s gentle, cost effective, and I can personally say it really works.
On the other hand, if you think you may need something stronger, you can try the clinical strength version of Head & Should that uses a different active ingredient.
1B. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength
Head & Shoulders is definitely the most popular dandruff shampoo on the market, not just on Amazon.
And this clinical strength version is no exception.
With almost 10,000 ratings on Amazon and maintaining a 4.6 overall star rating, packs prescription strength dandruff control into an over the counter solution.
The active ingredient in the clinical strength shampoo is selenium sulfide.
This shampoo is formulated to control oily dandruff instead of dry scalp dandruff, so the active ingredient is pivotal in oil control.
It also states that it controls dandruff after only one use instead of continual use, which is what you can expect from non-clinical strength shampoos.
I have tested this shampoo so I can’t say if it actually works after only one use, but the price is really good on Amazon if it works the way it says it does.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | Selenium Sulfide 1% |
Best for | Dry, itchy, oily and sensitive scalps |
Frequency of use | At least twice per week or every time you shampoo |
Other beneficial ingredients | Dimethicone (for moisture retention in skin), cooling menthol |
Scent profile | Citrus |
2. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo uses 1% ketoconazole as its active ingredient, which means it’s best used for severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
See section 2 of this article for more detailed information on which active ingredients are available and what they’re best used for.
With almost 100,000 ratings on Amazon, this shampoo gets an overall 4.6 star rating.
Most customers believe this shampoo works wonders on their dandruff, though some say it’s a little drying.
If you’ve already tried shampoos with selenium sulfide as the active ingredient and it didn’t solve your dandruff problem, Nizoral is a good next step.
It is notably more expensive per ounce, but some customers claim their dandruff was gone after just one washing, so this shampoo may be worth a try, even if it’s more expensive.
I’ll leave it to you to decide how bad your scalp is and how much you value the relief you may get from any particular shampoo.
Just don’t forget that it may take a bit of experimenting to get the right ingredient that works for you.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | Ketoconazole 1% |
Best for | Severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis |
Frequency of use | Every 3-4 days for up to 8 weeks, then as needed to control dandruff |
Other beneficial ingredients | None |
Scent profile | Clean fresh |
3A. Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo
There are three shampoos from Biolage that are designed to assist in control of dry scalp, dandruff and dry hair.
One thing that’s notable about this brand is they have been certified by Cradle to Cradle, a nonprofit organization specializing in certifications for sustainability, zero waste and recycling of materials.
Biolage has obtained certifications for reduction in negative impact of manufacturing processes, making their products with chemicals that are safer for humans and the environment and protecting the rights and well-being of workers.
It’s important to keep these in mind when reviewing the prices of the product.
The prices do reflect the extra costs associated with producing lower impact products.
The Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo has almost 18,000 ratings on Amazon as of the writing of this article with an overall rating of 4.7 stars.
I’m not sure how much you know about how difficult it is to get a 4.7 star rating on Amazon, but it’s quite difficult.
Amazon shoppers are looking for an excellent value for their money.
There are no active ingredients in this shampoo, and as such, it is not meant for dandruff but for dry hair instead.
This shampoo uses aloe to hydrate dry hair and prevent split ends.
Customers love how it makes their hair feel softer and smoother with regular use.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | None |
Best for | Dry hair, split ends |
Frequency of use | Every 1-2 days |
Other beneficial ingredients | Aloe |
Scent profile | Bergamot, mandarin, rose, musk, sandalwood |
3B. Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo
As mentioned above, Biolage has certified for three different environmental impact certifications.
As part of one of those certifications, they use 100% recycled bottles for their shampoo lines.
It’s both expensive and more time consuming to reuse plastic bottles and re-manufacture them rather than to create new ones from source materials.
But Biolage has invested in this venture and we can feel good about reducing our footprint because of them.
With that said, their shampoo prices reflect the extra expenses needed to use recycled materials.
The Biolage shampoos in this article are also vegan, paraben and silicone-free.
While all those accolades are respectable and important, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that two of the Biolage line of dandruff and dry scalp shampoos have no active ingredients.
This means there is no true medication in them.
If you’re someone who prefers to treat your conditions with all natural or close-to-natural sources, then the Biolage Hydra Source or Biolage Ultra Hydra Source shampoo is for you.
This Ultra Hydra Source shampoo uses cupuacu butter as its hydration source.
Based on the readily available information I could find, cupuacu butter has high emollient properties, which is likely the main source for hydration in this shampoo.
Additionally, it seems to also offer vitamin K, vitamin E and fatty acids for your skin, along with anti-inflammatory properties.
With a 4.7 star rating and over 12,000 ratings, this shampoo is worth a try if you have extra dry scalp and prefer not to use medicated shampoos for your condition.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | None |
Best for | Dry scalp and hair |
Frequency of use | Every 1-2 days |
Other beneficial ingredients | Cupuacu butter |
Scent profile | Bergamot, mandarin, rose, musk, sandalwood |
3C. Biolage Scalp Sync
This is the only shampoo in the Biolage line on Amazon that uses medication to treat dandruff.
The active ingredient in this shampoo is zinc pyrithione.
The listing doesn’t mention what the percentage is, but standard would be 1%
See Section 2 above for more information on what each dandruff active ingredient is best for.
With almost 9,000 ratings and a 4.6 overall star rating, customers are loving this line of shampoos, primarily for its hydration properties and its commitment to cruelty-free and vegan products.
If you love cruelty-free and vegan products but you also need something with active ingredients to control dandruff (i.e. not just dry scalp and hair but actual dandruff on your scalp) then you may love the Biolage Scalp Sync shampoo.
Again, it’s pricey.
But it does take into account that all the bottles are recycled, the certifications for low impact manufacturing and waste and concentration on human and staff well-being.
There are some other non-active ingredients in this shampoo as well.
Along with pyrithione zinc, this shampoo contains fermented tea which may have some antifungal properties and is used to calm inflamed skin in this shampoo as well as glycolic acid which can help your skin retain its moisture better.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | Zinc Pyrithione |
Best for | Dry scalp and dandruff |
Frequency of use | Every 2-3 days |
Other beneficial ingredients | Fermented tea, glycolic acid |
Scent profile | Bergamot, mandarin, rose, musk, sandalwood |
4. Redken All Soft
Just like Biolage, Redken All Soft is Cradle to Cradle certified in three categories: manufacturing practices, safer chemicals and worker well-being.
The shampoo is an intense hydrating formula that includes argan oil as its primary hydration ingredient.
With almost 22,000 ratings, this shampoo has a 4.7 overall star rating.
This shampoo is on the pricier side per ounce and is not specifically rated for dandruff.
It appears to be very well received as a moisturizer for dry hair and effective frizz-tamer.
Promoted as ideal for people with dry, brittle hair, Redken All Soft uses a proprietary moisture blend that contains 2% argan oil in the shampoo and increasing levels of moisture concentration in the conditioner, hair mask and hair oil products.
The entire line of argan oil products from Redken are highly rated and well received by customers.
And you can’t go wrong when you add the environmental certifications and fast delivery from Amazon.
This shampoo is specifically not for dandruff though.
If dandruff and flakes are your concern, this shampoo won’t be right for you.
This one is perfect for you if your hair tends to be dry, curly or frizzy.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | None |
Best for | Dry hair, frizzy hair, curly hair |
Frequency of use | Every 2-3 days |
Other beneficial ingredients | Argan oil |
Scent profile | Argan oil |
5. PURA D'OR Scalp Therapy Shampoo
This shampoo is one of the few shampoo brands that’s highly rated and not manufactured by a large conglomerate corporation.
The brand appears to be committed to clean products, low impact on the environment and natural ingredients.
The scalp therapy shampoo has no active ingredients, and as such is mainly to help hydrate and moisturize hair and scalp.
While the packaging claims to reduce flakes, it’s not the dandruff flakes the bottle refers to.
There are about 1,500 ratings at an overall rating of 4.5 stars, which is a very good rating for a shampoo.
Hydration is provided through tea tree, peppermint oil and argan oil.
It’s a very good choice for dry scalp shampoo if you’re looking to stay close to the supermarket prices for a decent moisturizing shampoo.
I would caution, however, that you may need to buy a small amount and experiment.
Even dry hair can become to oily if the oils aren’t absorbed into the hair shaft.
So you will need to adjust the amount of shampoo used if you find it leaved your hair too oily.
Alternatively, you can leave it on your head for a shorter period of time.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | None |
Best for | Dry hair, frizzy hair, curly hair |
Frequency of use | Every 2-3 days |
Other beneficial ingredients | Tea tree, peppermint oil, argan oil |
Scent profile | Natural essential oils |
6. Joico Moisture Recovery Moisturizing Shampoo
This is another shampoo for moisturizing dry, brittle hair.
It’s not a dandruff shampoo.
That said, the moisturizing ingredients are a little different in this shampoo.
There’s a combination of sea kelp and jojoba oil that is supposed to be instantly absorbed by your dry or curly hair.
Almost 4,000 customers have agreed that this is a very moisturizing shampoo with their 4.7 overall star rating.
As with any new product, make sure you buy the right ingredients for your scalp and hair issue.
This shampoo is not designed for dandruff, has no active ingredients and is primarily used for adding moisture to otherwise dry curly hair.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | None |
Best for | Dry hair, curly hair |
Frequency of use | Every 2-3 days |
Other beneficial ingredients | Sea kelp, jojoba oil |
Scent profile | Fruity |
7. Selsun Blue Naturals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
You can’t beat the price of Selsun Blue if you want to eradicate your dandruff and add moisture to your hair at the same time.
This shampoo has 6,500 ratings currently with an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
The Naturals line differs from some of the other Selsun blue products in that it can be used as a daily dandruff shampoo treatment.
The active ingredient in the naturals shampoo is zinc pyrithione.
And it has the added benefits of eight different moisturizers including vitamin E and vitamin B5 to avoid stripping your hair while eliminating dandruff.
Since it has the same concentration of the active ingredient zin pyrithione as Head & Shoulders, I’m going to assume it works as an anti-dandruff shampoo to about the same extent.
While I don’t find Head & Shoulders to be drying to my hair, this Selsun Blue does make claims of added moisturizes.
That might be really nice if you not only experience dandruff, but you also have dry hair.
SEE DETAILS & PRICING ON AMAZON
Active ingredient | 1% zinc pyrithione |
Best for | Dry hair and dandruff |
Frequency of use | Every day |
Other beneficial ingredients | Vitamin E, vitamin B5 |
Scent profile | Citrus |
Tips for Using These Shampoos Effectively
To maximize the benefits of shampoos designed for dandruff, dry hair, and dry scalp, it's essential to use them correctly. Here are some tips to ensure optimal results:
1. Wet Your Hair Thoroughly
Before applying shampoo, ensure your hair and scalp are completely wet. This allows the shampoo to distribute evenly and lather effectively. Almost every shampoo bottle says to wet your hair thoroughly before applying shampoo.
2. Apply the Right Amount
Use a sufficient amount of shampoo to cover your scalp and hair. For anti-dandruff shampoos, focus primarily on the scalp, where dandruff originates. Pouring into your hands instead of directly onto your head can help you visualize what you need and control the amount used.
3. Massage Gently
Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips in circular motions. Avoid using your nails, as this can cause irritation. This massage helps to lift dirt, oil, and flakes while stimulating blood circulation.
4. Follow Product Instructions
Some shampoos, especially anti-dandruff formulations, require a specific contact time to be effective. After lathering, leave the shampoo on your scalp for the recommended duration, often around 5 minutes, before rinsing. If your dandruff or dry scalp is mild you won’t need to leave the shampoo on your hair longer than it takes to massage your entire scalp.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Ensure all shampoo residues are rinsed out completely with lukewarm water. Residual shampoo can lead to buildup, counteracting the benefits of the treatment.
6. Condition Appropriately
After shampooing, apply a conditioner suitable for your hair type. For those with dry hair or scalp, a moisturizing conditioner can provide additional hydration and seal in moisture. Apply conditioner mainly to the lengths and ends of your hair to avoid weighing down the roots.
7. Use Regularly
Consistency is key. Use your specialized shampoo as directed, which may be daily or a few times a week, depending on the product and your specific needs. Regular use helps maintain scalp health and prevents the recurrence of issues.
8. Avoid Hot Water
Washing your hair with hot water can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. It’s best to opt for lukewarm water to preserve your scalp's natural moisture balance. However, I can’t see myself every taking a “lukewarm” shower, even if it’s only while rinsing my hair. So, if you’re like me, my suggestion is to use water that is warm enough to make you comfortable without being as hot as you can handle it.
9. Be Patient
Most dandruff shampoos go to work very quickly but can take up to a few uses to fully eradicate dandruff.
On the other hand, moisturizing shampoos for hair and scalp may need a couple weeks to know whether they’re truly moisturizing your hair, or even to level out your hair’s moisture versus your scalp oils.
Experimentation and patience will go a long way toward achieving flake-free shiny healthy hair.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance the effectiveness of your shampoo treatments, leading to a healthier scalp and more manageable hair.
Alternative and Complementary Practices to Support Scalp Moisture
Beyond selecting the right shampoo, several additional strategies can help maintain scalp hydration:
- Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air, especially during dry seasons, can prevent your scalp from becoming dehydrated.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate water supports overall skin health, including your scalp.
- Dietary Considerations: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, to promote scalp health.
- Scalp Massages: Regularly massaging your scalp can stimulate blood circulation and distribute natural oils, enhancing moisture levels.
- Natural Oils: Applying oils like coconut or jojoba oil can provide deep hydration and alleviate dryness.
By integrating these practices into your routine, you can effectively support scalp moisture and overall hair health.
FAQs on Dandruff, Dry Hair, and Dry Scalp
Understanding the nuances of dandruff, dry hair, and dry scalp can be challenging. Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify these conditions:
1. What is the primary difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
While both conditions involve flaking, their causes differ. Dandruff is typically due to excess oil production and the presence of the yeast Malassezia, leading to larger, oily flakes. In contrast, a dry scalp results from a lack of moisture, causing smaller, dry flakes. See this article from the Cleveland Clinic for more information on this.
2. Can dandruff lead to hair loss?
Dandruff itself doesn't directly cause hair loss. However, excessive scratching due to itchiness can damage hair follicles, potentially leading to temporary hair loss. See this article from Tricholab for more information on dandruff and hair loss.
3. How often should I wash my hair if I have dandruff?
It's generally recommended to wash your hair regularly with an anti-dandruff shampoo to control flaking and oil buildup. The specific frequency depends on your hair type and the severity of the dandruff. See this article from MedBroadcast for more information on washing your hair when you have dandruff.
4. Are natural remedies effective for treating dandruff and dry scalp?
Some natural remedies, like tea tree oil, have antifungal properties that may help alleviate dandruff symptoms. However, their effectiveness varies, and it's advisable to consult with a dermatologist before starting any natural treatment.
5. Can diet impact dandruff and dry scalp?
Yes, diet can influence scalp health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy skin and hair. Conversely, a diet lacking essential nutrients may exacerbate scalp issues.
6. Is it safe to use anti-dandruff shampoos on color-treated hair?
Many anti-dandruff shampoos are formulated to be safe for color-treated hair. However, it's essential to check the product label or consult with a hair care professional to ensure compatibility.
7. When should I see a dermatologist about my scalp issues?
If over-the-counter treatments don't improve your condition after a few weeks, or if you experience severe itching, redness, or hair loss, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.